riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jo Daviess County Disaster Risk

Jo Daviess County, Illinois

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

51th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#57

of 102 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

59th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Jo Daviess County sits at state average risk

With a composite score of 51.30, Jo Daviess County tracks nearly in line with Illinois's state average of 54.46, indicating relatively moderate exposure. The county's profile reflects balanced risk across multiple hazard types rather than extreme vulnerability to any single threat.

Middle-of-pack risk among Illinois counties

Jo Daviess County's 51.30 score places it right at the state median, neither among the safest nor the riskiest counties in Illinois. Tornado risk of 68.80 and flood risk of 58.52 drive the county's overall exposure, both approaching statewide averages.

Moderate risk in a safer region

Jo Daviess County's 51.30 score exceeds the very safe Jersey County (18.86) but remains well below higher-risk Kane County (94.59) to the south. Among northern Illinois counties, Jo Daviess represents typical mid-tier disaster exposure.

Tornadoes and floods are primary hazards

Tornado risk of 68.80 and flood risk of 58.52 represent Jo Daviess County's most significant natural disaster threats. Wildfire risk of 21.47 is moderate, while earthquake exposure of 28.05 remains relatively low compared to downstate counties.

Comprehensive tornado and flood preparation essential

Jo Daviess County residents should maintain robust flood insurance and ensure their homeowners policy covers tornado damage or purchase a separate rider. Developing a tornado shelter plan and keeping emergency supplies readily accessible are practical steps given the county's above-average storm risk.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jo Daviess County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    69th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    59th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    28th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Jo Daviess County

Risk Verdict

At the 51th percentile nationally, Jo Daviess County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Jo Daviess County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Jo Daviess County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Jo Daviess County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 69th percentile nationally. In Jo Daviess County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 59th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Jo Daviess County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Jo Daviess County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Jo Daviess County households.

Regional Context

At 3.2 points from the Illinois county mean, Jo Daviess County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.

Is your household prepared for Jo Daviess County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 51th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jo Daviess County?
Jo Daviess County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (69th percentile), flooding (59th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 69th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jo Daviess County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Jo Daviess County's composite risk percentile is 51th, compared to the Illinois state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Jo Daviess County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Illinois.
Is Jo Daviess County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Jo Daviess County's tornado risk is at the 69th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Jo Daviess County is at the 59th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Jo Daviess County a safe place to live?
Jo Daviess County's composite risk score of 51th percentile is below the Illinois state average of 55th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 69th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Johnson County

Illinois

-0.2

Relatively Low

51th percentile

Shelby County

Illinois

+0.4

Relatively Low

52th percentile

Lawrence County

Illinois

-2.1

Relatively Low

49th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

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